© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
2 Keping Minangkabau
| Copper | - | - |
| Issuer | Sumatra (British East Indies) |
|---|---|
| Type | Token |
| Years | 1247-1251 (1832-1836) |
| Calendar | Islamic (Hijri) |
| Value | 2 Kepings (1⁄200) |
| Currency | Dollar (1783-1824) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Shape | Round |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#24414 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 93% |
Reverse
Arabic inscription with denomination at top and date at bottom using eastern Arabic numeral. Beads around border
Script: Arabic
Lettering:
٢
دو كڤڠ
١٢٥١
Unabridged legend:
2
Dua keping
1251
Translation:
Two kepings
AH 1251
Edge
Plain
Comment
These coins were not official currency of any state. They were first issued in the early 1800s by British merchants at Singapore, to alleviate base coin shortage, before spreading to various parts of the Malay Archipelago. To circumvent confiscation attempts by colonial authorities (particularly the Dutch), British merchants use inscriptions that refer to locations that are vague, fictitious, or unaffiliated to Europeans. In this manner, legally it could not be argued that the tokens were intended for circulation in colonial territories.See Singh (1986:445-449) for details.
Interesting fact
The A Token 2 Keping (Minangkabau) 1247-1251 (1832-1836) from Sumatra (British East Indies) made of Copper is an interesting coin because it was used as a form of currency during a specific period in history, and it has a unique design that reflects the culture and traditions of the Minangkabau people of Sumatra.
